Johnson County is seeing homelessness grow, but a proposed new shelter offers hope

In Johnson County, homelessness is on the rise. The county’s latest data, from a July point-in-time count, found that 250 people are unhoused — although the real number is likely higher. The county wants to functionally end homelessness by 2029. Its proposed Homeless Service Center could be a “crucial” part of the solution, according to Johnson County Commission chair Mike Kelly. The shelter would repurpose a La Quinta Inn and Suites at 95th Street and Interstate 35 in Lenexa, but it faces some hurdles. Kelly says there are “very real” concerns from Lenexa and other cities that can’t be addressed, because a shelter like this does not currently exist in Johnson County. Lenexa still needs to grant the special use permit for the project. Kelly said it’s unknown exactly how the planning commission and city council will vote. But he said that conversations with many cities in the county have been supportive of the project. “While this is still a a daunting challenge, it’s a manageable challenge,” Kelly said. “And with the opportunity to address some of those gaps in coverage that we have in our systems of care, we have a real chance in Johnson County to functionally end homelessness.”
Source: KCUR

info2024-08-14T11:38:25-05:00August 14, 2024|News|

City council approves new regulations for pet owners

At Tuesday’s city council meeting, members discussed changes to animal services. The ordinance amendment passed 7-0. Councilors will look at the amendment again before the regulations go into effect. The Wichita Police Department recommended the following amendments: Increased fines for dog bite convictions with a first-time bite increasing from a $250 mandatory fine to a $500 fine, a second offense from a $500 fine to a $1,000 fine, and a third offense from a $1,000 fine to a $2,500 fine;
Removal of mandatory dog pen requirement for dangerous dogs, leaving the determination to the discretion of Animal Services;
Require microchips on all dogs and cats at the age of five months unless a veterinarian advises that it is not in the best interest of the animal;
Simplify pet licensing prices to $15 for spayed/neutered and $50 for those that are not. This is not an increase for spayed or neutered pets but is a $15 increase for those that are not;
Simplify veterinarian requirements regarding vaccination and license information that is transferred to City Licensing;
Allow licenses to be purchased for the length of a rabies vaccine, up to three years;
Allow three dogs/three cats per household. An animal maintenance permit will be required for four;
Allow a dangerous dog to be cared for by an animal professional for evaluation; and
Licensing provisions will take effect January 1, 2025, due to necessary computer upgrades.
Source: KSN-TV

info2024-08-14T11:36:41-05:00August 14, 2024|News|

Historic downtown Pittsburg property set for major renovations with $300,000 grant

Renovations are in the works for an old property in the downtown Pittsburg area. In June, the city was awarded a $300,000 grant from the state. The plan is to use the money for the renovations. The ground floor will also be redeveloped for commercial space, and apartments will go upstairs. During tonight’s city commission meeting, commissioners approved a grant agreement, repayment agreement, and matching funds agreement. “211 and then the buildings in between, there’s actually some that are for sale that we’re looking to do some additional projects with. So that’s really going to kind of reinvent that whole area. And then as the School of Business starts construction directly across the street, we see this block as being a pretty high traffic – exciting development for Pittsburg,” said Kim Froman, City of Pittsburg Community Development and Housing Director.
Source: KSNF/KODE

info2024-08-14T11:34:44-05:00August 14, 2024|News|

Pittsburg launches new solid waste service for residents

The City of Pittsburg is officially rolling out a new service for residents. “I think for the most part, I mean, we’re just wanting to make Pittsburg a clean town,” said Troy Graham, city of Pittsburg property and sanitation assistant director. City of Pittsburg property and sanitation assistant director Troy Graham says for years, departments around the city have picked up bulk solid waste and trash. But are now making this task officially their own. “What we’re doing now is basically trying to fill that void since we’ve been doing it anyways. And like I said, we’re just the start of this and we’re looking forward to serving the citizens,” said Graham. As it launches, services will only be offered to residents within Pittsburg city limits. Graham says so far, 800 residents have signed up to receive solid waste trash services from the city. “We’ve had some hiccups along the way over the last couple of years. So just, you know, getting out there and seeing people actually, you know, getting some real positive feedback from the citizens that they’re looking forward to it,” said Graham. This week, the city received its first truck for that service, and is waiting to receive another one as well as carts to go around town.
Source: KSNF/KODE

info2024-08-14T11:32:40-05:00August 14, 2024|News|

Topeka to use ‘Built for Zero’ model to help end homelessness

The Capital city is looking at an additional approach to combat homelessness. It’s called the Built For Zero model and it was discussed at city council Tuesday, Aug. 13. Brought to the state by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), this model looks to end homelessness rather than manage it. With a four-phase approach, the City is taking its equity access shelter program, which was based off the the built for zero model and turning it into full built for zero model. “One of our first steps is looking at our data, creating a by name list, really getting that data that’s updates in real time, we’ll create a single integrated team that all works together to not only gather that data but then work with those individuals to help get them housed and move them through the process,” Topeka Housing Services Division Director Carrie Higgins said. While the City is going forward with this approach, this does not mean they are parting ways with Sylver Consulting, an outside organization that was brought in my by former Topeka City Manager Stephen Wade. Built for Zero will rather use programs like the homeless innovation group and use their ideas and build that into its framework.
Source: KSNT 27 News

info2024-08-14T11:30:39-05:00August 14, 2024|News|

Judge could force City of Topeka to let residents decide on property tax increase

A Topeka man is suing the city, claiming it ignored what he calls a lawful petition. The petition’s creator Earl McIntosh wants Topeka taxpayers, not the city council, to decide whether property taxes increase. After the council took no action on his petition last month, he’s filed a lawsuit demanding they take it to a vote. He’s served the city with a mandamus lawsuit. He’s accusing city leaders of failing to perform their law-mandated duty. “The citizens of Topeka have decided to file this lawsuit,” McIntosh said. “To ask a judge to force the city to vote or let the people have a vote.” A city spokeswoman responded with the following statement: “The city was served on this request for mandamus action. After careful consideration, the governing body decided not to act because the petition has constitutional issues, and the initiative and referendum law doesn’t apply to administrative ordinances. The city will respond to the lawsuit as necessary.”
Source: KSNT 27 News

info2024-08-14T11:29:23-05:00August 14, 2024|News|

Topeka seeks input on pedestrian plan, city walkability

The City of Topeka will be collecting input from the public for its 2016 Pedestrian Plan; a project to improve the city’s walkability. The city will be updating the 2016 Pedestrian Plan with the goal of creating safe walkways between schools, parks, shopping districts, workplaces and other popular destinations. Topeka was awarded $25 million in grant funds as part of Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) under Pathways for Progress. As part of the project, the City of Topeka will build around 50 miles of new or improved sidewalks in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. “This plan is just one piece of a more considerable effort to improve the quality of life through of vibrant neighborhoods and better transportation choices for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and motorists,” the city wrote in a press release.
Source: KSNT 27 News

info2024-08-14T11:25:53-05:00August 14, 2024|News|

KDOT Cost Share program opens, $6m available to communities

The Kansas Department of Transportation is opening up its cost-share program that has provided over $146 million to communities since it started in 2019. On Monday, KDOT announced its 10th round of the Cost Share Program has opened. The program gives financial assistance for construction projects that improve safety and help rural and urban areas improve their transport systems. KDOT will provide funds to projects that improve roads, railways, airports, bicycle & pedestrian and public transit. The budget for this round of grants is $6 million with a maximum of $1 million allowed per project. “KDOT’s Cost Share Program improves transportation, creates economic growth and increases job opportunities across Kansas,” said Michelle Needham, Economic Development Programs Manager. “Past Cost Share participants have proven this program to be the financial boost that many small and large communities needed to achieve their project goals.” DOT will host a webinar at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug 21. To register click here. You must submit your applications by Sept. 19. More information on the cost-share program can be found by clicking here. If you have additional questions you can email Needham at michelle.d.needham@ks.gov.
Source: KSNT 27 News

info2024-08-14T11:25:06-05:00August 14, 2024|News|

Iola discusses temporary business licensing ordinance

Iola City Council members are one step closer to revising the city’s temporary business licensing ordinance. Council member Joelle Shallah presented the council with recommendations for the Transient/Temporary Business ordinance that had previously been discussed at the April 8 council meeting. At that time, a special committee was formed to discuss recommended changes to the ordinance. “The reason I feel it needs to be addressed is because of the shift in opportunities for small businesses,” said Shallah. “As most of us know, we are seeing more and more mobile businesses. I would love to see us being open and progressive.” Shallah noted this could create collaborations with existing businesses in town and any special events that they hold. “Some of these events could include a possible Food Truck Friday, special shopping events, and Christmas block party,” she explained. “I think there are a lot of opportunities there.” After meeting at the end of April, the committee came up with a list of recommendations that includes a tier-structured fee scale for permits. The committee suggests $25 for a three-day permit; $50 for 30 days; $250 for six months; and $400 for a calendar year. Shallah explained that a $10 application fee would be added to each of those costs and all applications must include a signed release from the property owner. Currently, a permit fee of $250 to be imposed per six-month period is the only option available.
Source: The Iola Register

info2024-08-14T11:23:34-05:00August 14, 2024|News|

Parents petition to ban cell phones in Lawrence schools

More than 100 parents of students in the Lawrence school district have signed a petition in support of a districtwide ban of cell phones in classrooms. Justin Blumenstiel, a parent of a Free State High School student, told the school board Monday that he and fellow petitioners support teachers who have called for a stricter, more cohesive cell phone policy. “I know that the school board is considering these matters very strongly, and I really recommend urgency on these matters,” Blumenstiel said. More than 80 Lawrence educators signed a petition at the end of the past school year proposing students’ phones be stored in a designated area from the first bell until the last bell of the day. Some educators further advocated for a cell phone during the school board meeting on June 24. They said cell phone usage in their classrooms has become a crisis, and having to use their discretion can cause conflict with students or take away from instructional time. Across the district, students aren’t to have their cell phones out while they’re in class. Elementary and middle school policies don’t allow students to use their phones at all during school hours unless granted permission. High school students, however, are still permitted to use their phones outside of class time. Blumenstiel said parents hope their petition boosts support for concerned teachers. Parents with students at all elementary, middle and high schools in the district signed. They’re requesting the district implement a plan by the end of the fall semester to go into effect during spring 2025.
Source: The Lawrence Times

info2024-08-14T11:17:32-05:00August 14, 2024|News|

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